Skelmersdale Youth Club’s special reason to celebrate this Christmas

Dec 14 2012

Youth Clubs special reason to celebrate this Christmas

AN early Christmas present from local employers SCA has secured the immediate future of a club for disabled young people in Skelmersdale.

The ‘Youthy’ club, with members aged 12-19, lost its local government funding and was in danger of closing before Digmoor Community Centre pledged to keep it running as long as possible.

The centre’s volunteers have been organising sales of second-hand clothes to raise funds, but a donation of £380 from SCA’s Skelmersdale paper mill has given it a much needed lifeline.

“It’s such a relief to know we can fund the club for this financial year without having to worry,” said Margaret Highton, the centre’s chairperson. “This is the only club for disabled young people in the area and the kids love coming to it. It would be awful if it had to close.”

Over 20 young people attend the Wednesday night club for social activities and courses in crafts, cookery and a range of other skills.

Mark Mannering, site manager of the SCA mill on Pimbo Road, said: “The Community Centre volunteers have done a wonderful job in keeping this club in existence for the young people to enjoy. It was a pleasure to offer our support.”

The mill has also donated another £380 in funding for The Grove Community Association at Burscough towards its long-established food bank. This provides local families and individuals with essential food supplies and the SCA donation will be especially welcome at Christmas time.